Astigmatism

Cornea = a clear, round dome within the eye that covers the iris and pupil

Refractive error = improper focusing of light onto the eye

Astigmatism = a condition marked by an impaired curvature in either the cornea or the shape of the lens

within the eye; blurs and distorts the vision in regards to objects near and far

Corneal astigmatism = when the condition creates an irregular shape in the cornea

Lenticular astigmatism = when the condition creates an irregular shape in the eye’s lens

Common Symptoms

Blurry vision

Distorted vision

Resorting to squinting to see better and more clearly

Eyestrain

Discomfort in the eyes

Headaches

Children who experience these symptoms are less likely to notice and complain about them

Risk Factors

Hereditary = medical history of astigmatism in the family

Causes

Mainly caused by the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens

The irregularity prevents the proper focusing of light onto the eye, leading arefractive error

This refractive error is the reason why those who suffer from astigmatism getblurred and/or distorted vision at both near and far distances

Most of the people who have astigmatism are born with it

Astigmatism can also develop after an injury or disease has already occurred in the eye and mayalso come about after a surgery to fix those pre-existing conditions and maladies

Reading in low light or watching TV while sitting very closely to it exacerbates astigmatism =MYTH

Diagnosis

The eyes will be thoroughly examined throughout the course of a comprehensive eye exam in a varietyof different ways:

The patient will be asked to read letters off of a distance chart in order tomeasure visual acuity and clarity at certain distances.

There will be a series of lenses placed in front of the eyes and the patient willbe asked to determine which lenses offer clearer vision

This tests the focusing power of the eyes

The ophthalmologist will use a keratometer to measure the curvature of the cornea in order todetermine the extent and axis of astigmatism present

This is supplemented by a corneal topography test to examine the shape of thesurface of the cornea

All of these tests will let the doctor know how powerful the eyeglasses or contact lenses that areprescribed to the patient need to be to enable clear vision

Treatment

If astigmatism goes unrecognized as early as possible and/or untreated, then a child who suffersfrom the condition will have his/her scholastic and athletic abilities in school and sports, respectively, verymuch hampered and impaired

Those who experience only a mild to moderate form of astigmatism can have it corrected with theproperly prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses

There are now soft contact lenses called toric contact lenses that can correct astigmatism

Those who have a severe form of astigmatism could benefit more from the customaryrigid contact lenses or eyeglasses, depending on the suggestions of the ophthalmologist